Finally, many states have put in place supportive policies to encourage the development of renewable energy. California, a leader in clean-energy investments, requires the state’s major utilities to source one-half of their electricity sales from clean, renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biopower by 2030. Last year, Hawaii passed a bill requiring the state to get 100 percent of its energy from renewable power by 2045. Find energy incentives in your area by searching the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).

Economic, health and environmental benefits

Whether you buy your renewable energy from clean energy suppliers or you generate it yourself, your individual contribution can be part of an impressive collective impact.

Consider these solar energy benefits:

One million solar installations provide enough electricity to meet the power needs of the entire state of Pennsylvania, according to a report from the George Washington Solar Institute.

One million solar installations means avoiding 34 million tons of CO2 annually, equal to the emissions of nine coal-powered plants.

The U.S. solar industry supported 209,000 jobs in 2015, an increase of more than 1,200 percent since 2006.

The greatest societal benefit of renewable energy of course is that it’s a clean, carbon-free resource. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas must be extracted from the earth and burned, releasing heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By using clean sources of energy such as solar and wind, you shrink your carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.

No roof? No sun? No problem.

You don’t need to install solar panels or live in a sunny area to be part of the growing solar community. Simply make the switch, and CleanChoice Energy make sure all the energy you use is replenished on the grid with 100 percent clean wind and solar power.

The country is on the march toward the increasing use of renewable energy, and at CleanChoice Energy, we’re happy to be leading the parade.